Coating Concrete
Surfaces:
Prepping For Spraying And Crack Repair
WHAT ARE CRACKS & EXPANSION JOINTS ON CONCRETE?
Cracks and expansion joints are common features found on concrete surfaces. Cracks often occur due to shrinkage during the curing process or as a result of long-term structural stress. They can be hairline cracks or more significant fissures that can compromise the integrity of the concrete. On the other hand, expansion joints are deliberate gaps created in the concrete to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. These joints provide flexibility, preventing the concrete from cracking under thermal stress. Both cracks and expansion joints require attention and maintenance to ensure the longevity and safety of the concrete surface. Proper filling and sealing of cracks as well as regular inspection and maintenance of expansion joints are essential to prevent further damage and ensure a durable and functional concrete surface.
protecting & rehabilitating concrete surfaces
In many commercial and industrial coating jobs, a primary concern the client has is the protection and rehabilitation of their existing concrete surface. This process may require you to spray areas that have cracks or expansion joints to create your seamless membrane. It is important to determine if the concrete will have ongoing movement, if so, bridging may be the answer, whereas stress cracks may just be ok to fill.
There are several approaches to this based on the type and size of the crack or expansion joint. We will start with the easiest method for incredibly fine cracks and move on to more elaborate crack fill and preparation.
There are several approaches to this based on the type and size of the crack or expansion joint. We will start with the easiest method for incredibly fine cracks and move on to more elaborate crack fill and preparation.
very fine cracks
Very fine cracks may be bridged with the material, but these must be exceptionally fine cracks, just make sure the area is very clean and abraded, and spray right over them. If the crack is less than 1/16th of an inch but you are uncertain if the crack is too big to spray over or not, you can reinforce this crack with a reinforcing mesh tape.
- Ensure area is clean and abraded
- Spray right over the cracks
- Reinforce with mesh tape if necessary
CRACKS LARGER THAN 1/16 of an inch
For cracks bigger than 1/16th of an inch, you start to have several options for how to handle this. Very large cracks and expansion joints can have a urethane or polyurea crack fill applied into the crack, allowed to cure, then the reinforcing mesh tape applied over the cracks. It is also possible to use a foam backer rod to partially fill the cracks. In this process, urethane sealant is added to the crack, the foam backer rod is then pushed down into the crack, and the urethane sealant is then added over the top of the backer rod, with the reinforcing mesh tape applied over the top of the crack making sure it is applied on each side of the crack and bridging it to tie it together.
for very
irregular cracks
for very irregular cracks
In some cases, the crack is very irregular and needs a backer rod, but it will be difficult to install, in those cases it is better to use a masonry blade and cut the concrete along the crack to open it up for the backer rod and urethane sealant to be properly fit into place.
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We provide personal training to get your new polyurea or polyurethane system up and going. Plus, we have a dedicated support team ready to assist you anytime you need us. We sell to dealers around the world who use our products for a wide variety of applications. These include everything from truck bed liners to animal habitats.
